By Knowles Adkisson

0

Oct 7, 2012 3:14:00 AM

The U.S. national team's all-time leading scorer was taken off against RSL, leaving his status for upcoming qualifiers in doubt.

U.S. national team star Landon Donovan, who had to be substituted late in the Los Angeles Galaxy’s 2-1 loss to Real Salt Lake after suffering an apparent left knee injury, said he was unsure if he would be able to play in the national team’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

“TBD,” Donovan told reporters after the game, when asked whether the injury would keep him out of qualifiers on Oct. 12 against Antigua & Bermuda and Oct. 16 against Guatemala.

Donovan suffered the injury when he collided awkwardly with RSL defender Jamison Olave in the Salt Lake penalty area. He lay face-down on the turf for more than a minute before limping off the field under his own power. Donovan said he was not sure the extent of the injury, saying that it would have to be tested as soon as possible.

When asked if the injury felt serious, Donovan replied, “It didn’t feel good.” He added that he believed the injury occurred when his leg jammed into the turf, but that he did not feel a pop. “There’s a pretty good divet there,” Donovan said.

If Donovan is forced to miss time, the injury would rob the U.S. team of one of its top players as it prepares for the crucial World Cup qualifiers. The U.S. is currently in a three-way tie with Guatemala and Jamaica for first in Group A of CONCACAF, with 7 points. The top two teams in the semifinal advance to the final round of World Cup qualifying in the region.